Aims. We attempt to derive accurate transition probabilities for astrophysically interesting spectral lines of Nb ii and Nb iii and determine the niobium abundance in the Sun and metal-poor stars rich in ... [more ▼]

Aims. We attempt to derive accurate transition probabilities for astrophysically interesting spectral lines of Nb ii and Nb iii and determine the niobium abundance in the Sun and metal-poor stars rich in neutron-capture elements. Methods. We used the time-resolved laser-induced fluorescence technique to measure radiative lifetimes in Nb ii. Branching fractions were measured from spectra recorded using Fourier transform spectroscopy. The radiative lifetimes and the branching fractions were combined yielding transition probabilities. In addition, we calculated lifetimes and transition probablities in Nb ii and Nb iii using a relativistic Hartree-Fock method that includes core polarization. Abundances of the sun and five metal-poor stars were derived using synthetic spectra calculated with the MOOG code, including hyperfine broadening of the lines. Results. We present laboratory measurements of 17 radiative lifetimes in Nb ii. By combining these lifetimes with branching fractions for lines depopulating the levels, we derive the transition probabilities of 107 Nb ii lines from 4d35p configuration in the wavelength region 2240−4700 Å. For the first time, we present theoretical transition probabilities of 76 Nb III transitions with wavelengths in the range 1430−3140 Å. The derived solar photospheric niobium abundance log = 1.44 ± 0.06 is in agreement with the meteoritic value. The stellar Nb/Eu abundance ratio determined for five metal-poor stars confirms that the r-process is a dominant production method for the n-capture elements in these stars. [less ▲]

Relativistic Hartree–Fock and multiconfigurational Dirac–Fock calculations of atomic structure and transition rates have been carried out in trebly ionized lanthanum (La3+, Z = 57). The calculations have ... [more ▼]

Relativistic Hartree–Fock and multiconfigurational Dirac–Fock calculations of atomic structure and transition rates have been carried out in trebly ionized lanthanum (La3+, Z = 57). The calculations have to cope with configuration interaction effects but also with the very complex situation of the collapse of the 4f wave function. The calculations are compared to experimental data obtained with beam-foil spectroscopy in the extreme ultraviolet, at ion energies that favour <br />the production of the spectrum La IV. Besides lines known from sliding spark discharges, many more lines are observed that have not yet been identified. Time-resolved measurements yield three level lifetimes in La IV that agree roughly with the results of our own calculations. [less ▲]

Aims. We report on the theoretical and experimental lifetimes of Ta II, and calculated branching fractions for selected transitions. Methods. The theoretical data are obtained by means of a relativistic ... [more ▼]

Aims. We report on the theoretical and experimental lifetimes of Ta II, and calculated branching fractions for selected transitions. Methods. The theoretical data are obtained by means of a relativistic Hartree-Fock method with detailed attention to correlation effects. The experimental lifetimes are measured with the time-resolved, laser-induced, fluorescence technique. Results. The calculated results are in good agreement with both previously known and new experimental lifetimes. New transition probabilities have been deduced for a set of Ta II transitions of astrophysical interest. [less ▲]